Iowa Schools Get F in Affordability
Waterloo-Cedar Fall Courier
DES
MOINES – Iowa public universities received an “F” in affordability, one
of 36 states to receive a failing grade, according to a report issued
Wednesday.
“It's a
direct result of the actions of the Iowa Legislature,” Regent David
Neil of La Porte City said. “We've been trying to maintain the quality
of education, and we have pushed students to the end with that. We
can't do it anymore.”
“Measuring
Up 2004,” released by the nonprofit National Center for Public Policy
and Higher Education, says many Iowa families are struggling to afford
a college education.
According
to the report, 28 percent of family incomes are needed to pay for a
public four-year university in Iowa, up from 18 percent a decade ago.
Meanwhile, the state's poorest students devote 36 percent of their
family incomes to attend a community college after financial aid is
factored in, the report says.
Iowa … got a “C-minus” in 2002 and a “B” in 2000.
Tuition
and fees at Iowa public universities have increased 71 percent in the
past five years to an average $5,403 this school year. Costs rose 42
percent at community colleges during the same period and now average
$2,754.
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